Drysuit undergarment questions

[BlueStarfish]

Hi everyone,

I've never posted here before, but I love reading everything in this forum. It's nice to have a place to go to get the female perspective .

I bought a new drysuit (DUI TLS350), and so far, I love it. EXCEPT...I get sooo cold. :cold: So it's time for me to buy some nice undergarments.

I've been considering getting some Softwear, but I have no idea how warm they are. I do most of my diving in Southern California, with temps in the mid to upper 50's. I've read lots of great things about Softwear, but it seems most of the reviews are coming from men. Most of the guys I know can take the cold a lot easier than I can. So I'm wondering how you girls like them?

My other option is a Viking 200 gram Thinsulate undergarment. Once again...I have no idea how warm they are. I know thinsulate will keep you warmer if the suit floods...but what about when it doesn't? (since I would hope 99.9% of my dives will be dry )

So please tell me...what undies do you use, and at what temps?

Thanks

 

[smrtblnddiver]

I use the extra thick undergarment made by my drysuit manufacturer (Diving Concepts) and when we did Catalina, I was perfect. Up here (about 45 degree water) I wear an additional long underwear shirt underneath. And when it was REALLY cold in Nanaimo, I put additional stuff right over the top.

 

[TDunbar]

Oh no! you dive a DC drysuit? Ain't it a great suit?

and No, I'm not stalking you......... LOL


Todd

 

[MechDiver]

BlueStarfish once bubbled...
Hi everyone,

I've been considering getting some Softwear, but I have no idea how warm they are. I do most of my diving in Southern California, with temps in the mid to upper 50's. I've read lots of great things about Softwear, but it seems most of the reviews are coming from men. Most of the guys I know can take the cold a lot easier than I can. So I'm wondering how you girls like them?

I dive with a woman who gets exceedingly cold very easily. She is using the two piece 300g Software and is doing fine. You might also consider drygloves and possibly a better hood after you get the undies thing sorted out. Also, do NOT wear cotton.

MD

 

[TDunbar]

I dive the thinner Diving Concepts underwear - 50F is as cold as I've experienced so far. It isn't cheap and I haven't been really happy with the stitching, although I haven't approached them for a repair........... but it is great for what I do.......

Todd

 

[BlueStarfish]

TDunbar and Smrtblnddiver, those DC undies look awfully nice. They sure are expensive though. I was hoping to not have to spend a fortune on undergarments. There're too many other things I need to buy.

Mechdiver, what kind of temps is your buddy diving in? I've already ordered the hood, and drygloves are next on the list . Being cold is not fun.

Jane

 

[MechDiver]

BlueStarfish once bubbled...

Mechdiver, what kind of temps is your buddy diving in? I've already ordered the hood, and drygloves are next on the list . Being cold is not fun.

Jane

Colder than you are for the most part. Lower 40's and up to lower 50's with a tri-lam suit.

MD

 

[smrtblnddiver]

TDunbar once bubbled...
Oh no! you dive a DC drysuit? Ain't it a great suit?

and No, I'm not stalking you......... LOL


Todd

It is. I do have the same issues with the stitching though. Of course, it could just be the body not fitting as well as it used to. LOL

Stalking me? I won't think that until you show up on my doorstep.......lol

 

[smrtblnddiver]

And YES, to dry gloves!

BEST part of the whole thing.........

 

[TDunbar]

ORDERED the hood? it didn't come 'free' with the suit? mine did, although I did order a few accessories when I bought it.......... I'm certain I'd be considered a wimp with respect to temp here at ScubaBoard - I just buy the necessary accessories to be comfortable. Have any of you tried the electric heater pads? I dive year round and was wondering how effective they were.

Melanie, if only I could afford the airfare................ a diver AND sense of humor. What more could anyone ask for?


Todd